Single Idea 15272

[catalogued under 9. Objects / A. Existence of Objects / 6. Nihilism about Objects]

Full Idea

In being properly critical about the merits of the concept of substance, ...the Humean finds he has lost the vitally important concept of a thing as well.

Gist of Idea

The good criticism of substance by Humeans also loses them the vital concept of a thing

Source

Harré,R./Madden,E.H. (Causal Powers [1975], 6.IV)

Book Reference

Harré,R/Madden,E.H.: 'Causal Powers: A Theory of Natural Necessity' [Blackwell 1975], p.111


A Reaction

This is the whole reason that Aristotle and others started talking about substances in the first place. The big mistake is to think that Aristotle believes in a thing called 'substance'. The notion is a placeholder for whatever holds a thing together.